TWO leading city figures have became embroiled in a war of words online over the attendance record of Adelaide’s Lord Mayor.

ANDREW HOUGH CITY EDITOR

The CityAugust 22, 20142:12pm

ADELAIDE’S Lord Mayor has been publicly challenged by one its most prominent businessmen to justify his official travel, as the city’s elected leader is forced to defend his council attendance record.

Property developer Theo Maras, the retiring Rundle Mall chairman, criticised Stephen Yarwood after the Lord Mayor used social media to launch an emotional defence of his record.

In a series of social media posts, Mr Maras questioned Mr Yarwood’s justification that his travel was a reason to miss more than a quarter of official meetings.

“What business were you attending overseas or interstate Lord Mayor and how did it benefit Adelaide. The rate payers who payed (sic) would like to know ... It’s time for some accountability,” Mr Maras wrote in a post of his own.

But Mr Yarwood argued that all overseas and interstate travel was approved by the council and that he had been the “least expensive” lord mayor in 15 years.

The Advertiser revealed this week that Mr Yarwood, and mayoral election rival Mark Hamilton, recorded the worst meeting attendance of the 12 elected members over the past year.

In response, Mr Yarwood said claims he was “missing” were “heartbreaking considering my efforts”.

Part of Mayor Stephen Yarwood’s recent Facebook post, defending his work ethic.Source:Supplied

“I have NOT gone missing, in fact I’ve never worked so hard because I want no regrets looking back,” he wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday night.

“Reality is Council operates in a ‘glass house’ where everything is open for all to see. It means I’ve go (sic) no choice but to work hard, be prudent and not abuse the system.

“I have children and a mortgage and can’t afford to do the wrong thing and ruin my personal and professional future.”